TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[Amma Usman]

Anyone have any advice insights on the bclp ac? I have one coming up soon, the ac will have a case study presentation, mark up exercise and a strength based interview. You get 90 minutes to prep for a 15 minute presentation based on the case study, within that time you're also expected to complete a mark up exercise. I'd really appreciate any tips on this!

Here’s an interview insight from 2019-2020 - https://www.thecorporatelawacademy.com/forum/threads/bclp-interview-2019-20.2241/

Have they told you what the mark up exercise and the pres. are focused on? Perhaps I’ll be able to shed more thoughts from there.

For a strength-based interview, my biggest tip is to look at all your experiences holistically, not just professional ones but also extracurriculars, academics, volunteering, and any other areas where you have demonstrated key skills. This approach will help you confidently answer a wide range of questions and showcase diverse competencies without feeling like you need to memorize overly prepared answers. Unlike a written application where you can finesse responses in 200 words, strength-based interviews require depth and detail. Be ready to expand on tasks you have done. What challenges did you face? How did you demonstrate and apply your strengths? What was the result? They are looking for real insight into how you work and problem-solve.

Stay reflective and focus on showcasing your natural abilities rather than giving rehearsed answers. You’ve got this.

 

[19.mfjones]

Brabners PFO

Im sorry to hear this. Which office did you apply for? Good luck with other applications!

 

[Miss Chocolate]

Does anyone know if the Baker deadline is definitely midnight?

 

[mulan0]

It probably sounds obvious but how do I actually answer ‘why me’ or any other question which essentially asks this in an AC interview? Should I make 3 points with a STAR analysis for 3 qualities they look for? I don’t want to waffle but also want to say enough😂

 

[Overthinker123!]

Hey guys, I have my SM interview tomorrow and wanted to ask if anyone has any advice. I feel particularly nervous about the article discussion, so I would appreciate any insights or general advice on how it would be best to approach this. Thanks in advance

 

[A worried graduate]

Im sorry to hear this. Which office did you apply for? Good luck with other applications!

Liverpool

 

[A worried graduate]

Hey guys, I have my SM interview tomorrow and wanted to ask if anyone has any advice. I feel particularly nervous about the article discussion, so I would appreciate any insights or general advice on how it would be best to approach this. Thanks in advance

I have heard of them asking questions about your worst module to throw you off so prepare for that in case.

 

[BuddyingLawyer744]

PW PFO (finally)

 

[fidrrygalka]

PW PFO (finally)

same here. kind of shit to not get to know why they were waiting so long with them

 

[A worried graduate]

The recording is only available to our Gold subscribers currently as the session was part of our Accelerator programme.

Will it be free at a future date?

 

[jojo23]

Has anyone heard from the Nottingham office?

Had the telephone interview last week Tuesday but heard nothing yet...

 

[jojo23]

Does anybody have experience with Ashurst’s cappfinity test? What should I expect other than trauma etc.😭😭

 

[1768972]

Had the telephone interview last week Tuesday but heard nothing yet...

Ah fingers crossed! Do you mind sharing what your SJT results were?

 

[Ruth A]

same here. kind of shit to not get to know why they were waiting so long with them

So sorry to hear this. Was this post- test or interview

 

[fidrrygalka]

So sorry to hear this. Was this post- test or interview

it’s fine but thank you. nope. just post-app it is what it is really

 

[Overthinker123!]

Does anybody have experience with Ashurst’s cappfinity test? What should I expect other than trauma etc.😭😭

I did it last month but honestly forgot a lot of it because I think my mind has blocked it out bc of the trauma 😭 I did somehow pass it though, and honestly, I would just say research and think about Ashurst's values and what the role of a trainee requires for the SJT bit (because they assess you against Ashurst's behavioural skills).

Im pretty sure there was also a critical thinking test, which was a lot easier than the WG but similar question types so would prepare as if it were WG

(I have done too many of these online tests that my brain has merged all of them together as ptsd, but this is what I remember).

 

[BillSikes]

Has anyone heard from the Nottingham office?

Deadline was only Sunday

 

[User5678]

Deadline was only Sunday

Vac scheme deadline was 1 Feb

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hi @Ram Sabaratnam

Can I ask what changes did you make in approaching the later VS schemes that you think helped you convert (setting up coffee chats, the work etc) especially since my first scheme is my first preference😓

Thank you!

Hiya @sc13


Looking back, I think there were a few key changes I made that helped me convert later VS schemes. Interestingly, the feedback I received from earlier schemes wasn’t really about the quality of my work, but rather about my soft skills and how I came across more broadly. There were three points of feedback that were made to me, and which I still think about:

1. I came across as quite self-deprecating in my humour (which some partners took as a lack of confidence in myself).
2. There was uncertainty about whether I genuinely wanted to pursue commercial law, particularly given my previous non-law background.
3. I had a tendency to overextend myself (taking on too many tasks without always checking how long things would take or what was feasible within my schedule).

These were all areas I worked hard to improve in my second cycle, especially the first and third points. If you’re someone who’s ever struggled with imposter syndrome, it can be easy to default to self-deprecating humour in professional settings. But I learned the hard way that how you speak/joke about yourself really does shape how others perceive your confidence and potential (same point also applies if you're someone who is constantly trying to oversell your experiences/background to others). There’s a line between being arrogant and underselling yourself, and finding that balance made a big difference. On the overstretching point, I started being much more conscious about what I could realistically take on. I made a habit of asking how long a task might take before accepting it, and I tried to be more open about my current workload. That helped me build more accurate expectations for myself and others.

Taking all that on board gave me a much more grounded and self-aware approach when I went into interviews and vac schemes the second time around.

Hope that helps. Wishing you the best of luck with your scheme coming up

 

[Mayooshi]

Hi has anyone heard from Blake Morgan, Irwin Mitchell or the Samsung Paralegal role

I applied for the direct tc

Hey have you gotten a response?